Books and Swoons

Life Update

2017-05-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

Morning my lovelies!

No, I have not dropped off the face of the Earth. Yes, I am still alive. No, I have not forgotten about you and this little place of mine. After my last post, I sort of dropped everything in regards to the blog. Prior to starting grad school, I had planned to get posts done in advance and I did have a lot saved up. But with the holidays and then the new year, I never got around to continue doing so. Once school started, my writing time went to writing papers and discussions.

I keep meaning to take 15 minutes to set up a review but knowing that I have to use more brain power to get my thoughts in order plus set up the review format, I talk myself out of it since I know it will definitely take up more time than what I currently have.

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I do miss the familiarity of blogging and talking about books so I do want to get back into my routine of blogging. I just hate not being consistent with weekly posts and the thought of not having a set schedule for blogging sort of throws me off. I am trying to work around that and just sit myself down to write for the blog. My brain and time are still full-on academic mode so I do want to be realistic at what I can commit myself to for the both you guys and the blog.

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I have been reading so I do have a ton to talk about and I can't wait to share it with you guys. Especially since I do have review books waiting to be reviewed and read. I just wanted to take a moment to check in and update everyone on what is happening. I don't have a set date for when I start posting again but I do hope to take some time during this weekend to write up some reviews that are long overdue.

I hope you're all well!

P.S. - I just recently started watching The Office so that explains all The Office related gifs.

Quotes (#188)

2017-02-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

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Morning Swooners,

So I totally forgot about my review last week and I had the intention of getting it done, even had it drafted up and needed to actually get the words down. But school work took priority since I had my big course project due on Friday and I was one hot mess trying to get it done. But, it's a new week, and like the Dude says, life goes on, man. I'll try to get it done this week. Let's do quotes.

“Absence diminishes small loves and increases great ones, as the wind blows out the candle and fans the bonfire.” ― François de La Rochefoucauld, Maxims

“I don't want to repeat my innocence. I want the pleasure of losing it again.” ― F. Scott Fitzgerald, This Side of Paradise

“To be content with little is difficult; to be content with much, impossible.” ― Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach, Aphorisms

“And the little screaming fact that sounds through all history: repression works only to strengthen and knit the repressed.” ― John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath

“And she's got brains enough for two, which is the exact quantity the girl who marries you will need.” ― P.G. Wodehouse, Mostly Sally

“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” ― Oscar Wilde

“There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance.” ― Socrates

Have a great week!

Quotes (#187)

2017-02-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

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Morning Friends,

It's the last week of my first grad school course and I'm stressing and sleepy and I'm hating my past self for deciding to go down this route. I already cried to my husband because I was stress and worried, so I'm right on time for freaking out. Today I'm trying to rally myself because I've been really proud at how well I'm doing so I got get that motivation to finish this course on a high note. Let's do some quotes!

“Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days.” ― Zig Ziglar

“Honestly, if you were any slower, you’d be going backward.” ― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

“Great minds are always feared by lesser minds.” ― Dan Brown, The Lost Symbol

“No one expected me. Everything awaited me.” ― Patti Smith, Just Kids

“I’ve known people that the world has thrown everything at to discourage them...to break their spirit. And yet something about them retains a dignity. They face life and don’t ask quarters.” ― Horton Foote

“My turn shall also come:
I sense the spreading of a wing.” ― Osip Mandelstam, The Selected Poems

“Don't be afraid to be confused. Try to remain permanently confused. Anything is possible. Stay open, forever, so open it hurts, and then open up some more, until the day you die, world without end, amen.” ― George Saunders, The Braindead Megaphone

That's it for me today. I got to get back to wrapping up my paper and project due on Friday. Pray for me!

Favorite Friday (#64): Just Like Fate by Cat Patrick & Suzanne Young

2017-02-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a bi-monthly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where we spotlight some of our Favorite Reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on the linky or leave us a comment!

This week pick is: Just Like Fate by Cat Patrick and Suzanne Young.

Caroline is at a crossroads. Her grandmother is sick, maybe dying. Like the rest of her family, Caroline's been at Gram's bedside since her stroke. With the pressure building, all Caroline wants to do is escape--both her family and the reality of Gram's failing health. So when Caroline's best friend offers to take her to a party one fateful Friday night, she must choose: stay by Gram's side, or go to the party and live her life.

The consequence of this one decision will split Caroline's fate into two separate paths--and she's about to live them both.

Friendships are tested and family drama hits an all-new high as Caroline attempts to rebuild old relationships, and even make a few new ones. If she stays, her longtime crush, Joel, might finally notice her, but if she goes, Chris, the charming college boy, might prove to be everything she's ever wanted.

Though there are two distinct ways for her fate to unfold, there is only one happy ending...

I loved loved loved this book. I loved the concept like the movie Sliding Doors, so I adored this book to pieces. It been years since I read Just Like Fate so I think I'm due for a reread.

About the author:

Raised in a house that was struck by lightning–twice–Cat Patrick is the author of young adult books Forgotten, Revived, and The Originals, and the co-author of Just Like Fate.
As a child, Cat could be found making up stories like her first book, Dolly the Purple Spotted Dolphin; growing corn in the backyard; or performing with a traveling sign-language troupe. She earned a journalism degree from the University of Wyoming and a master’s degree from Boston University, and worked in public relations for fifteen years. She lives outside of Seattle with her husband and twin daughters, and is on Twitter @seecatwrite, or Facebook at authorcatpatrick.

Author's links: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

About the author:

Suzanne Young is the New York Times bestselling author of The Program series. Orginally from Utica, NY, Suzanne moved to Arizona to pursue her dream of not freezing to death. She is a novelist and an English teacher, but not always in that order.

Suzanne is the author of several bestselling books, including THE PROGRAM, THE TREATMENT, THE REMEDY, THE EPIDEMIC, and HOTEL RUBY.

Author's links: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

What is one of your favorite reads?

Mini Review: Twisted by Laura Griffin

2017-02-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

Twisted (Tracers #5)
Author: Laura Griffin
Release Date: April 17, 2012
Publisher: Pocket Star Books
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Source: Personal Copy
Review by: Jenn

New York Times bestselling author Laura Griffin chills with her newest novel of suspense and romance in the award-winning Tracers series, when a woman police detective in a small Texas town discovers that the only thing more terrifying than a killer you don’t know . . . is the one you do.

Motive, opportunity, and no alibi—it seems close to a slam-dunk. But while rookie detective Allison Doyle’s department has ID’d a suspect in a young woman’s vicious murder, she is uneasy. Then legendary FBI profiler Mark Wolfe shows up with a startling theory: if he’s right, the real murderer is an elusive psychopath just days away from another kill.

Using Allison’s contacts at the Delphi Center crime lab, Wolfe is finally in striking distance of the monster he’s pursued for ten years. Except that as they work together, Wolfe finds the ambitious, stubborn woman a tempting distraction. And with this brutal predator, every thread of evidence can make the difference between being the hunter . . . and the prey.

3.5 stars out of 5 stars

Laura Griffin has me hooked on her books. Every time I pick up one of her stories, I can and have to sit down for a few hours and finish it in one sitting. She hooks me with her story telling and her characters and I am unable to let go of the story until I'm done with it. The same thing happened with Twisted and it's characters.

Twisted follows rookie detective Allison Doyle and FBI veteran Mark Wolfe. Their differences are striking so sometimes they would both stubborn and it was interesting in reading then trying to find common ground. Like all the previous books in the Tracers series, Twisted's serial killer is horrific and scary and the case scares me to the bone. Also, the romance is slow burn just like the rest in the series.

Laura Griffin has a set formula that I love so I just gobbled up Twisted. Can't wait to read the next book.

Waiting on Wednesday (#161)

2017-02-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Morning swooners!

This week pre-publication "can't wait to read" selection is:

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
By: Erika L. Sanchez

Expected Release Date: October 17, 2017

Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

Synopsis:

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian meets Jane the Virgin in this poignant but often laugh-out-loud funny contemporary YA about losing a sister and finding yourself amid the pressures, expectations, and stereotypes of growing up in a Mexican-American home.

Perfect Mexican daughters do not go away to college. And they do not move out of their parents’ house after high school graduation. Perfect Mexican daughters never abandon their family.

But Julia is not your perfect Mexican daughter. That was Olga’s role.

Then a tragic accident on the busiest street in Chicago leaves Olga dead and Julia left behind to reassemble the shattered pieces of her family. And no one seems to acknowledge that Julia is broken, too. Instead, her mother seems to channel her grief into pointing out every possible way Julia has failed.

But it’s not long before Julia discovers that Olga might not have been as perfect as everyone thought. With the help of her best friend Lorena, and her first kiss, first love, first everything boyfriend Connor, Julia is determined to find out. Was Olga really what she seemed? Or was there more to her sister’s story? And either way, how can Julia even attempt to live up to a seemingly impossible ideal?

The minute I read the synopsis, I knew I needed this book. I have a feeling that this book is going to hit close to home and I can't wait until October so I can get my hands on this book.

What are you "Waiting on?"

Quotes (#186)

2017-02-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

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Morning Swooners,

I swear, I feel like that old man is going way too fast me at this point. I have so much to do and so little time to do it that I feel like time is flying by. I'll be done with my first class in grad school next week so I have a ton of work to get done before then. So, I'm gonna do this really quickly and get back to work.

“Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

“There is some good in this world, and it's worth fighting for.” - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers

“The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.” - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

“Courage is found in unlikely places.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

“You can only come to the morning through the shadows.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

“Where there's life there's hope.” - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

I'm all about finding hope these days, you guys. We need something to hold on to when times get tough. Have a great week!

Let's Chat Non-Bookish Edition: Grad School

2017-02-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

Morning friends,

I'm towards the end of my fourth week of grad school and I'm surprised I've made this far without a meltdown. I have 2 weeks left of this session and on my course project, so who knows, maybe it'll happen at zero hours. However, I've been really focused on my studies and on top of all my assignments and I feel really proud of myself for that. I wasn't the best student at undergrad so this is sort of a test for myself and I'm happy to say that I feel like I'm passing it.

Since I've been so busy with school, I haven't had the time for much of anything. I've been one boring person just working and going to school. I haven't read one single book that wasn't school related and I've barely hung out with friends or family. One of my best friends gave birth so I've been trying to get some baby snuggles every now then and a fellow sorority/blogging friend has visited me/spent time with me as I do more school work. I'm sorry for the distracted conversations, Lexi, but thanks for hanging out with me.

I am getting into a routine so I hope to add some reading/fun time to my schedule soon. I've been itching to do something so hopefully, I'll be able to swing that.

How about you, friends? Anything interesting is happening in your life? Tell me what's going on with you!

Swoony Boy of the Month: Bennett Ryan from Beautiful Bastard series

2017-02-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Swoony Boy of the Month is our feature where we spotlight a favorite and/or swoony boy from the books we have read.

Morning Lovelies,

February's Swoony Boy of the Month is Mr. Bennett Ryan from Christina Lauren's Beautiful Bastard series.

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“I promise to be faithful, loyal, and put your needs above all others . . . this is my vow to you, Chloe, my only lover and my equal in all things.” - Christina Lauren, Beautiful Beginning

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“We’re married,” he said quietly, pressing another kiss to my belly button. “I’m your safe place. I’ve always been your safe place.” - Christina Lauren, Beautiful Beginning

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“I didn't know," he whispered. "I didn't know I could love you so much.” - Christina Lauren, Beautiful Bastard

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“I was starting to see that this wasn't just sex, and it wasn't something just working out of my system. Sex was just the fastest route to the deeper possession that I needed. I was falling in love with her, and falling too fast and hard to easily find any footing.” - Christina Lauren, Beautiful Bastard

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“I told you, I want more than this. I want to be with you. I want to be your lover." I swore, digging my hands into my hair. "I'm falling for you, Chloe.” - Christina Lauren, Beautiful Bastard

Sweet Lord, Bennett Ryan is one hot man. Whoooo!

Our Monthly Wrap-Up (#11)

2017-01-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

Morning Lovelies,

For the month of January, I have read ZERO books! Can you believe it?! I've been so busy with grad school that I haven't opened one book staring at me from my nightstand. I mean, if we want to get technical, I HAVE been reading, just textbooks, though. My goal, however, is to get through the stack that I have sitting on my nightstand because my nightstand is about to topple over. If you want proof of that, check it out here.

Reviews posted in January:

Features posted in January:

Queue up on my iPad/phone:

I FINALLY finished season 6 of Supernatural and have started season 7. I'm only a few episodes in and I'm curious to what is going to happen with Castiel being...uh...possessed? Yes, let's go with that. Now, I know what you may be thinking, how am I watching Supernatural and not reading? Well, I work out the elliptical and sometime music isn't all that helpful in making the time go by faster, so I watch Netflix!

How was your January, friends? Have you started to tackle your TBR pile? Tell me down below!

DNF Review: By Your Side by Kasie West

2017-01-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

By Your Side
Author: Kasie West
Release Date: January 31, 2017
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: eARC
Source: Edelweiss
Review by: Jenn

When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.

Only he doesn’t come. No one does.

Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side?

1.5 stars out of 5 stars

*I received an early copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

**This is a DID NOT FINISH review. It includes my thought on the book up to 66% of it.**

I am SUPER sad that I couldn't continue with this book. So sad. I loved Kasie's On the Fence, so I was expecting another book I would love. Especially when our hero and heroine are stuck in the library! However, the library is only the location but it seems that our main character, Autumn, is not a book nerd like I hoped.

The book started off strongly but after a while, I couldn't click with Autumn and the story. Once they made it out of the library, and she got back to her life and the consequences of being stuck in a library with no phone appears, I just couldn't with the story for much longer. I read a little more about after she was out and how she was starting to seek Dax out, but I just didn't care about any of it.

I really wanted to love it considering it's Kasie West and I loved her book On the Fence and Nahomi loved The Distance Between Us. But once I realized that I wasn't going to love it and I was beginning to dislike Autumn, I decided to quit. I could have finished it considering I was past the halfway point, but nope. I've gotten better about not finishing books I don't care/love/hate. I know other people have loved the book, so I'm just taking it that this book wasn't for me but it'll work for others.

Quotes (#185)

2017-01-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

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Morning everyone!

Sometimes, I just need coffee by the gallon no matter what my night/weekend looked like. Let's do quotes.

“Don't live down to expectations. Go out there and do something remarkable.” - Wendy Wasserstein

“Food. Drink. Sleep. Books. They are all drugs.” - Fay Weldon, The Fat Woman's Joke

“Ideas aren't magical; the only tricky part is holding on to one long enough to get it written down. ” - Lynn Abbey

“In books and in life, you need to read several pages before someone's true character is revealed.” - Gail Carson Levine

“All you can do in this life is follow your dreams. Otherwise you're just wasting your time.” - David Walliams, Gangsta Granny

“What feminism means for me is simply that women, like men, are complete human beings with limitless possibilities.” - Fahmida Riaz

“No matter how nice the place is where you live, you need to experience life and the world.” - Terri Irwin, My Steve

Have a great week!

Bookish Girl in the Kitchen (#2)

2017-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Morning Lovelies,

Today's recipe I got from Jacqueline, the Artistic Farmer. I was preparing for a holiday party with my bookish gals and I was in charged of bringing some potatoes. I've been wanting to use my slow cooker to make my potatoes, so I made some scalloped potatoes, or as the recipe is called
Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes for the Crock-Pot.

Recipe: I was making the potatoes for about 12-15 people, so I made a large batch. I doubled all my ingredients but the recipes is the original with all the original measurements.

Ingredients:
-4 large russet or red potatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch slices
-1 onion sliced into rings OR minced dried onion
-3 tbsp butter
-3 tbsp flour
-1/2 tsp salt
-1/4 tsp pepper
-2 cups milk
-1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

Process:
1. Grease crock-pot dish.
2. Layer sliced potatoes in crock-pot occasionally sprinkling layers with dried onion.
3. Repeat with potatoes and onions.
4. In a large saucepan melt the butter over medium heat.
5. Stir in flour, salt and pepper.
6. Whisk in milk. {I actually recommend to add milk and flour together in order to avoid the flour to clump up.}
7. Cook mixture over medium heat until thickens. Stir in the shredded cheese; continuing to whisk until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth.
8. Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
9. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours OR cover and refrigerate for cooking the next day.

This is the time where I took the most time prepping. Cutting up the potatoes and peeling them

To be honest, the need for the onions worried me because I didn't want for the potatoes to taste weird. So I was very light on the onions.

My favorite part, the CHEESE!

The flour clumped up so I had to spend an extra 5-8 minutes after I added the milk to make sure everything mixed well. So my recommendation is to add the milk and flour together to avoid the flour to clump.

I prepared this the night before the event so this is how it looked when I put it in the refrigerator.

The next morning, time to start cooking it.

My plate, which included the potatoes, mac and cheese, green salad, crispy and grilled chicken.

Final Thoughts:

Success! While peeling and cutting the potatoes were time consuming, I would definitely do it again. The potatoes were soft and so cheesy but it didn't feel like it was drench in cheese thanks to the sauce.

I hope you all have a good day!

DNF Mini Review: All Fired Up by Vivian Arend & Elle Kennedy

2017-01-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

All Fired Up (DreamMakers #1)
Author: Vivian Arend & Elle Kennedy
Release Date: April 22, 2014
Publisher: Vivian Arend & Elle Kennedy
Format: ebook
Source: Personal Copy
Review by: Jenn

He’s ready to lead the way

Parker Wilson never thought he’d go from battle-hardened soldier to romance expert, but after his stint in the Rangers, that’s exactly what happened. As the owner of DreamMakers Inc., he helps other men win in the love department, using every resource available to plan the perfect date. When a routine recon turns into an unexpected night of passion, Parker’s mission becomes more personal—and he won’t give up until Lynn Davidson is all his.

She’s more than willing to follow

Lynn is a goner from the moment she lays eyes on the delectable Parker. She’s just ditched her boring almost-boyfriend and is tired of sticking to the straight and narrow. It’s time to walk on the wild side, and what better way than in the arms of the most irresistible man she’s ever met? But when their red-hot affair is threatened, it’ll take a team effort to make their dreams come true.

1 star out of 5 stars

**This is a DID NOT FINISH review. It includes my thought on the book up to 25% of it.**

Initially, I was really excited about reading this book. The first chapter hooked me and I proceeded onwards. However, I quickly realized that what I had liked about the first chapter and what had initially called me from the synopsis, the reality was taking a completely different turn. After the first chapter, I realized that the book was taking a turn I didn't really like. And to be honest, it even seemed weird that our heroine was going down that road. I didn't even know what to think of the hero. Or heroes, in this case, again, I'm not exactly sure. Very quickly, I decided that I didn't want to continue with the book, and gave up on it. I have more books to read anyways. Maybe it's a better book for someone else.

Quotes (#184)

2017-01-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

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Morning friends,

I hope you all had a nice weekend. Let's start this week strong!

“If you're going to lick the icing off somebody else's cake you won't be nourished and it won't do you any good, or you might find the cake had caraway seeds and you hate them.” Emily Carr

“Knowledge has to be improved, challenged, and increased constantly, or it vanishes.” Peter F. Drucker

“Permit your dreams to see the daylight.” - Bernard Kelvin Clive

“It's not enough to be nice in life. You've got to have nerve.” - Georgia O'Keeffe

“Claim your space. Draw a circle of light around it. Push back against the dark. Don't just survive. Celebrate.” - Charles Frazier, Nightwoods

“The better you know yourself, the better your relationship with the rest of the world.” - Toni Collette

“Sometimes we spend so much time and energy thinking about where we want to go that we don't notice where we happen to be.” - Dan Gutman, The Genius Files #4: From Texas with Love

I hope you all have great week!

On Our Nightstand (#10)

2017-01-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

On Our Nightstand is where we show the state of disarray our nightstand look holding all the books we are currently reading.

Morning lovelies,

My nightstand has been looking the same for the past few weeks.

With the December holidays, I stopped reading since I had family in town. Then I started grad school in January so I haven't picked up any book. I'm almost halfway through Hunted by Meagan Spooner so I'll try to tackle that one first. Then, I'll try to start over with Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas since I started it ages ago. The same will be done with I'd Tell You I Love, But Then I'll Have to Kill You by Ally Carter. I've already read On Broken Wings by Chanel Cleeton and Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen but I haven't put them in my book boxes yet.

My goal will be to get rid of these books on my nightstand soon because I'm a little tired of seeing these same unread books staring at me and at my failure to read them.

Whose else's nightstand are filled with unread books? Anybody is tackling them? Let me know!

Second Chance Read: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

2017-01-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Sisterhood #1)
Author: Ann Brashares
Release Date: December 10, 2002
Publisher: Books on Tape Childrens
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library/Overdrive
Review by: Jenn

Some friends just fit together.

Once there was a pair of pants. Just an ordinary pair of jeans. But these pants, the Traveling Pants, went on to do great things. This is the story of the four friends—Lena, Tibby, Bridget, and Carmen—who made it possible.

4 stars out of 5 stars

I first read The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants the summer between my freshman and sophomore year of high school. Which is basically the same timeline as the girls in the book. I refuse to say how long that was but it’s been ages. So when I saw the book as an audiobook on my library, I snatched it up.

First off, I loved the narrator. Angela Goethals made the girls come alive for me. She did a wonderful job and made the girls’ voice and friendship all the more real and authentic. Secondly, this it had been a while since I read this series, it was like I was reading/hearing the story for the first time so I appreciated Angela all the more for a job well done.

I will admit that some of the girls’ actions, specifically Carmen and Bridget, kind of bothered or annoyed me. When they would act naively or wrong, since they’re so young and inexperienced, I wanted to step in and inform them not to do what they were about to do or act the way they were going to. However, this is me speaking with experienced and as an adult. I know that while I would have never done what Carmen or Bridget had done/acted at that age, I too was a teenager and things always felt dire and like the end of the world was coming. So while the story of Carmen and Bridget weren’t my favorite, I loved how they, in the end, learned and grew up a little. And like before, Lena was my favorite girl and Tibby’s story bought me to tears.

Time for The Second Summer of Sisterhood.

Quotes (#183)

2017-01-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

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Morning friends,

I hope you all had a nice weekend. It's my sister-in-law's birthday today so while I may have case of the Mondays, at least I know I'm getting some cake tonight. I'm all about trying to look at the bright side here. Let's do quotes.

“Thinking something does not make it true. Wanting something does not make it real.” ― Michelle Hodkin, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

“Stare, pry, listen, eavesdrop. Die knowing something. You are not here long.” ― Walker Evans

“In new situations, all the trickiest rules are the ones nobody bothers to explain to you. (And the ones you can't Google.)” ― Rainbow Rowell, Fangirl

“Whatever it is you're seeking won't come in the form you're expecting.” ― Haruki Murakami

“Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don't.” ― Bill Nye

“Books are easily destroyed. But words will live as long as people can remember them.” ― Tahereh Mafi, Unravel Me

“Reading was my escape and my comfort, my consolation, my stimulant of choice: reading for the pure pleasure of it, for the beautiful stillness that surrounds you when you hear an author's words reverberating in your head.” ― Paul Auster, The Brooklyn Follies

I hope you all get some kind of cake this week!

Favorite Friday (#63): Maybe One Day by Melissa Kantor

2017-01-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a monthly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where we spotlight some of our Favorite Reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on the linky or leave us a comment!

This week pick is: Maybe One Day by Melissa Kantor.

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Zoe and her best friend, Olivia, have always had big plans for the future, none of which included Olivia getting sick. Still, Zoe is determined to put on a brave face and be positive for her friend.

Even when she isn't sure what to say.

Even when Olivia misses months of school.

Even when Zoe starts falling for Calvin, Olivia's crush.

The one thing that keeps Zoe moving forward is knowing that Olivia will beat this, and everything will go back to the way it was before. It has to. Because the alternative is too terrifying for her to even imagine.

In this incandescent page-turner, which follows in the tradition of The Fault in Our Stars, Melissa Kantor artfully explores the idea that the worst thing to happen to you might not be something that is actually happening to you. Raw, irreverent, and honest, Zoe's unforgettable voice and story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.

I LOVED this book and the friendship shown in this book made me cry like a baby because it's just SO. GOOD. I need more people talking about this book.

About the author:

I'm a YA writer who believes in happy endings. The kind you find in books.

Author's links: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

I hope you can join us in sharing and talking about some of your favorite reads. Book talk always makes us happy.

What is one of your favorite reads?

Review: Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen

2017-01-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hard Hitter (Brooklyn Bruisers #2)
Author: Sarina Bowen
Release Date: January 3, 2017
Publisher: Berkley
Format: eARC / Mass Market Paperback
Source: NetGalley / Berkley
Review by: Jenn

He’s a fighter in the rink, but he’s about to learn that playing nice can help you score...

As team captain and enforcer, Patrick O'Doul puts the bruise in the Brooklyn Bruisers. But after years of hard hits, O'Doul is feeling the burn, both physically and mentally. He conceals his pain from his coach and trainers, but when his chronic hip injury becomes too obvious to ignore, they send him for sessions with the team’s massage therapist.

After breaking up with her long-term boyfriend, Ari Bettini is in need of peace of mind. For now, she’s decided to focus on her work: rehabilitating the Bruisers’ MVP. O'Doul is easy on the eyes, but his reaction to her touch is ice cold. Ari is determined to help O'Doul heal, but as the tension between them turns red hot, they both learn that a little TLC does the body good...

4 stars out 5 stars

*I received an early copy of this title from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

I loved being back in the hockey world of the Brooklyn Bruisers. Sarina Bowen created a group of characters that I want to learn more about and hang out with at the same time. In this book, we got the prickly, and kind of anti-social captain of the Brooklyn Bruisers, Patrick O'Doul, whom we met back in Rookie Move and the team's massage therapist and yoga instructor, Ari Bettini.

I loved seeing these two come together and slowly learned about the other. I loved seeing how they got under each other skin as they realized how good they were together, even though Ari was trying to lie to herself about it. Ari and Patrick are two completely different people but they compliment each other so well and I'm glad that Ari was able to see that Patrick is the right guy for her.

I'm super excited about the next book in the series, Pipe Dreams, Lauren has scared me several times now so I'm curious to learn her story. I am sad though because I really wanted Becca' and Nate's story.

Waiting on Wednesday (#160)

2017-01-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Morning swooners!

This week pre-publication "can't wait to read" selection is:

Accidentally on Purpose (Heartbreaker Bay #3)
By: Jill Shalvis

Expected Release Date: January 24, 2017

Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

(Source)

Synopsis:

There’s no such thing as a little in love…

Elle Wheaten’s priorities: friends, career, and kick-ass shoes. Then there’s the muscular wall of stubbornness that’s security expert Archer Hunt—who comes before everything else. No point in telling Mr. “Feels-Free Zone” that, though. Elle will just see other men until she gets over Archer . . . which should only take a lifetime . . .

There’s no such thing as a little in lust…

Archer’s wanted the best for Elle ever since he sacrificed his law-enforcement career to save her. But now that she’s earned happiness and success, Archer just wants Elle 24/7. Their chemistry could start the next San Francisco Earthquake, and Archer doesn’t want to be responsible for the damage. The alternative? Watch her go out with guys who aren’t him . . .

There is such a thing as…

As far as Archer’s concerned, nobody is good enough for Elle. But when he sets out to prove it by sabotaging her dates, she gets mad—and things get hot as hell. Now Archer has a new mission: prove to Elle that her perfect man has been here all along…

I am super excited about this book. I read the first two book in the series and I'm hooked on these characters. I am especially excited that we are (FINALLY) getting Elle and Archer's story. Their chemistry has been brewing for a while now and I'm so curious to see how it's going to play out.

What are you "Waiting on?"

Blog Tour Review: On Broken Wings by Chanel Cleeton

2017-01-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

On Broken Wings (Wild Aces #3)
Author: Chanel Cleeton
Release Date: January 3, 2017
Publisher: Berkley
Format: Mass Market Paperback / eARC
Source: Berkley / NetGalley
Review by: Jenn

The author of Into the Blue and Fly with Me returns with the newest, hot and high-flying Wild Aces romance...

A year after losing her husband, Joker, the squadron commander of the Wild Aces, Dani Peterson gets an offer from his best friend, Alex “Easy” Rogers, to help fix up her house. Dani accepts, and their friendship grows—along with an undeniable attraction.

Racked by guilt for loving his best friend’s widow, Easy’s caught between what he wants and can’t have. Until one night everything changes, and the woman who’s always held his heart ends up in his arms. Yet as Easy leaves for his next deployment, he and Dani are torn between their feelings and their loyalty to Joker’s memory.

But when Dani discovers something that sends them both into a spin, the conflicted lovers must overcome the past to navigate a future together…

4 stars out of 5 stars
*I received an early copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

I was SO excited when I got my hands on this book. I've been itching to get Easy's story ever since we learn of his love to Dani, one of his best friend's wife in Fly With Me. Knowing how broken these two would be since the death of Joker, especially Dani, I braced myself for tears and feels while I was to read this book. So when I read Dani's first chapter, I was a mess. Chanel Cleeton had me crying like a baby while my heart broke into tiny little pieces.

I was curious to see how Cleeton was going to handle Easy and Dani's story because of their connection but I just loved how it was dealt with. The grief and guilt and the acceptance that it's okay to move on, Cleeton handled that absolute care and in perfect characterization for these two. It definitely resonated true and real for me. Also, when these two are together, the familiarity that they share and how easy and relax they are around each other, I just loved it. It was so well written that it just oozes off the pages.

My biggest complaint against this book is something that I don't want to give away but considering it bothered so much to the point that I can't rate it any higher, is the subplot that happened after Easy is deployed. I honestly saw it happening a mile away and it bothered me so much because I felt like they could have come together without this plot point. In a way, it felt like a cop out for Dani in not being able to admit to her feelings without that added influence. I felt like that relationship they were brewing didn't need that to happen.

Aside from that, I enjoyed this book for all the emotions it managed to bring out in me. This love story had me sobbing and hoping for relief from the pain and I love books that are able to bring such emotions out in me. Chanel Cleeton wrote such a wonderful series that I'm sad to say goodbye to and managed to introduce me to a different military lifestyle I didn't have much knowledge on. I can't wait to see what else she writes but in the mean time, I might just go an reread some of my favorite parts of the Wild Aces trilogy.

About the author:

After years spent studying international politics in London and a stint in law school, Chanel Cleeton found her passion crafting smart and sexy contemporary romances and thrillers. An avid reader and hopeless romantic, she's happiest curled up with a book, her three dogs lounging beside her. Chanel is a lover of big sunglasses, irresistible handbags, food covered in sprinkles, and pint-sized pups with larger-than-life personalities.

She is published by Harlequin and Penguin and is the author of the International School, Capital Confessions, Assassins, and Wild Aces series. Chanel also writes historical fiction as Chanel Dolz Cleeton. She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Facebook Reader Group Twitter / Goodreads / Instagram / Newsletter / Tumblr / Pinterest

Check out the rest of the tour:

January 2nd-

Vanilla & Spice Books

I’m a Sweet and Sassy Book Whore

Logan Sports Book Section

Book Freak

Must Read Books or Die

A Bluestocking’s Place

January 3rd-

Eye in Bookland

Sweet and Spicy Reads

Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Sammi’s Bookish Reality

The Lily Reader

Lush Book Reviews

Reviews from the Heart

January 4th-

Chelle’s Life in Books

The Bookishmedialite

An Asian Chick & Her Cat Walk Into a Book Blog

JoJo the Bookaholic

Red’s Romance Reviews

BFD Book Blog

Les Chroniques Aléatoires

January 5th-

Straight Shootin’ Book Reviews

Carlene Inspired

Read-Love-Blog

Typical Distractions

Ramblings of a Daydreamer

Sheila’s Book Corner

January 6th-

Four Chicks Flipping Pages

Tied Up in Romance

Dog-Eared Daydreams

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Book Boyfriends

Literati Literature Lovers

January 7th-

Bookworm221

Maine Book Momma

Reading Between the Wines Book Club

January 8th-

Ashley Book Blog

The Reading Belles

April’s Blog of Awesome

Smokin Hot Reads

Chatterbooks Book Blog

January 9th-

A Fortress in Books

Bookish Wanderlove

Books & Swoons

The Readdicts

Under the Cover and Between the Sheets

January 10th-

Relentless Romance

Once Upon a Book Blog

Oh My Growing TBR

Bibliojunkies

Renee Entress’s Blog

January 11th-

Read Your Writes

Smokin’ Hot Book Blog

Quesarasera Book Blog

The Reading Cafe

January 12th-

Ramblings from this Chick

Quirky Debutante

Naomi’s Reading Palace

Bookgasms

January 13th-

Kimmy Loves to Read

Verna Loves Books

Unofficial Book Club

The Crafty Engineer’s Bookshelf

January 14th-

Margie’s Must Reads

The Book Voyagers

Joandisalovebooks

January 15th-

Wrapped Up In Reading

Southern Vixens Book Obsessions

Literary Misfit

Steamy Reads

Shooting Stars Magazine

Hot Books Hotter Book Boyfriends

Red Hot + Blue Reads

Quotes (#182)

2017-01-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

(Source)

Morning Lovelies,

Today is the first day of grad school for me and I'm so excited and nervous and holy crap what have I gotten myself into? I am heading head first into it and I'm a little nervous. So today's quotes are all about encouragement and motivations.

“There are two things to aim at in life; first to get what you want, and after that to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind has achieved the second.” ― Logan Pearsall Smith

“Whatever you're meant to do, do it now. The conditions are always impossible.” ― Doris Lessing

“The starting point of all achievement is DESIRE. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desire brings weak results, just as a small fire makes a small amount of heat.” ― Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich

“Do your thing and don't care if they like it.” ― Tina Fey, Bossypants

“Nobody gets everything in this life. You decide your priorities and you make your choices. I'd decided long ago that any cake I had would be eaten.” ― Donald E. Westlake, Two Much

“Deadlines just aren't real to me until I'm staring one in the face.” ― Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief

“Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.” ― Confucius

Have a great week, lovelies!

Let's Chat Non-Booksish Edition: Life Update

2017-01-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that there would be some changes happening that might affect the blog. Today I want to go over that. As of January 1st, I’ve been the sole blogger of the site. Nahomi is currently on hiatus as she deals with some personal life stuff. Now, it’s been years since I’ve been the only blogger so it’s been a bit of a transition getting myself organized and getting posts up and scheduled. Nahomi and I had a partnership so I have to get myself used to doing it all on my own. She will be back, though, as she says It will only be a few months.

Another change that is happening is that I will be starting graduate school! I got accepted and will be starting the MBA in Human Resource Management program and I’m both nervous and excited about this new development. So now that I’ll be starting school and I’m the only blogger around, I’m trying to get myself sorted and organized to schedule blog posts in advance as a way to keep the site running as well to be able to dedicate my time to school work.

I pretty much have most of January scheduled. I just need to write up all the reviews I hope to have up this month. I also hope to start drafting up or at least planning my calendar for February. I know that once I start school and hopefully work soon, my time for the blog will be dramatically less. But I do want to say that even though I am trying to schedule posts ahead of time, school is my priority for the next 2 years. I know I have to cut back on my reading for fun and the amount of time I normally spend on the blog. So with one blogger down and the other in grad school, the blog might have some slow days. I’ll try to keep it updated as much as I can, though.

Does anyone have any advice for me? I’ll take any help I can get to succeed in getting this degree.

Review: Throwing My Life Away by Liz Czukas

2017-01-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

Throwing My Life Away
Author: Liz Czukas
Release Date: December 20, 2016
Publisher: Liz Czukas
Format: eARC
Source: Liz Czukas
Review by: Jenn

7 photographs, 2 weeks, an entire life to get back. No problem, right?

After her stepfather accidentally throws away her high school mementos, sentimental Mariska is pretty sure the world is over. That is, until she comes up with a plan. She’s going to recreate her past, with a little help from her friends. It’s not easy to rally everyone into helping, especially Caine, who couldn’t be less sentimental about anything if he were a park bench. But from a guerilla kite festival to convincing her ex-boyfriend to recreate her lost prom picture, Mariska is willing to do what it takes.

With a little nudging from Caine, Mariska starts to realize she can’t actually get her past back. And maybe that’s okay. Because while she’s so focused on the past, she’s missing out on the present, where her friends are busy having the summer of their lives. And where funny, quiet Caine might just be the future she never knew she wanted.

3.5 stars out of 5 stars

*I received an early copy of this book from the author. However, this review is in no way influenced by that.*

Reading Throwing My Life Away was like going back *cough ten years ago cough* to high school. It was filled with nostalgia for the old days and with hopeful feelings for the future. And Mariska is for sure feeling all the emotions as she prepares to depart her childhood for college. Here are some of my favorite part of the book.

I loved all the recreated pictures moments. While they didn't come out exactly like the original that Mariska took, they are unique and will give Mariska two memories instead of one. The old one and the new one. I especially love the ninja recreation. It was definitely a turning point between Mariska and her love interest, Caine.
I also loved Mariska's best friend Sun and Caine. Sun is hilarious and unique. I loved how she was up to anything for Mariska and gave it the project a special touch. Caine is the perfect compliment for Mariska. The book has some awesome banter between Mariska and Sun and Mariska and Caine but I especially loved Mariska and Caine's back and forth quips. There is this whole yearbook drop off between the two that I found absolutely adorable.

Throwing My Life Away was filled with nostalgia and hope and it was so cute. I loved that I got another YA book from Liz Czukas and I can't wait to see what else she's working on.